December Newsletter
It has finally arrived. Silly season is in full flow. We hoped that we would not see the return of a certain Elf who wreaks havoc in the school but alas he has returned. Christmas plays and carol singing are at an all time high and we hope everyone enjoys the Christmas season.
Board of Management: Liam Gallagher has been asked by the Bishop McKeown (Patron) to stay on as Chairman of the Board and he accepted. Fr. Fintan Diggan will be the other Patron’s Nominee. Fiona Bonnar and Charlie Doherty were deemed elected as Parents nominees to the board as they were the only mother and father who expressed an interest in taking on the position. Mr. Kelly was elected as the teacher nominee and Mr. McGowan is the secretary of the Board. A meeting is called and the community nominees are decided in that meeting. The term of this board is four years. We thank all past member of the board for their hard work and we wish our new members the best for the upcoming board.
If you as a parent or member of the community, want to bring anything up with the board the secretary of the Board (Mr. McGowan) is the only person who should be contacted. The parent nominees are not parent representatives and their job is not to report back to parents. Their job is to give a parent’s perspective to the board.
Christmas Bazaar: The St. Aengus’ N.S. Christmas Bazaar takes place this Sunday the 8th of December at 2pm in Burt Hall. There will be carols sung by Maureen’s Christmas choir, Fantastic prizes like Ipads, scooters, Panto tickets, homework passes and much, much more. There will be local Christmas crafts on sale, tasty treats to munch on and hot drinks to keep you warm. There will be face painting, guess the weight of the Christmas cake, name the elf, hang on bar (See who can hold on the longest), bingo and even a visit from jolly old Saint Nick. This promises to be a great community day out for people of all ages so please support the school.
The Parent’s Association have done great work in organising this and are looking for helpers on the day and also for donations of any unwanted gifts (Wine, Chocolates etc). These can be left into the school or any member of the organising committee.
Burt hall will be open the day before (Saturday) from 12-4pm to receive any baked goods for sale on the Sunday. These can also be given to any member of the organising committee.
Irish flag: The school is working towards having a “Gaelbhratach” in the school. Every committee is made up of teachers, students and parents. If you wish to get involved in this, please let Ms. Monaghan know. All you will be asked to do is attend a few meeting in the school with the teachers and children, have some fun and spread the word about the cúpla focal.
Library: We hope to get the school library up and running after Christmas. If you are able to give one or two mornings consistently in the year please let Bernie know in the office.
Winter virus: Please remind your child about the importance of hygiene after they use the toilet or cough and sneeze.
Head lice: Please check our child’s hair for any pesky critters.
Christmas plays:
Here is a timetable for the Christmas plays in December:
Junior Infants: Monday the 16th @1.30
Senior Infants: Wednesday the 18th @1.30
1st/2nd class: Monday the 16th @2.00
3rd/4th class: Wednesday the 18th @6.30
5th class: Wednesday the 18th @ 6.50
6th class: Wednesday the 18th @7.20
We will endeavour to start on time so please come at least 5 minutes before the performances starts. If you cannot make it on the day, please let us know and you may be able to make a dress rehearsal.
Sport:
County Champions: Well done to our senior boys’ hurling team who were crowned County “A” champions for the first time in the school’s history. Led by joint Captains Ryan and Kyron, this was a full squad effort. A full report can be read on the website and there was a full page spread on the match in last week’s Inishowen Independent.
We came second in Inishowen in both the under 11 boys and girls indoor hurling and camogie competitions. The future for hurling and camogie is bright.
Our senior boy’s soccer team are currently third in the Inishowen section after a string of great results. Girls soccer is after Christmas.
All training will finish this Friday to give time for the grass to rest for the new year. In January we will start everything again.
Lost property: There is a huge amount of lost clothing property in the school. Please label all clothes. The lost property will be on display beside the hall during the Christmas play performance so feel free to browse and find any property that is yours. All remaining clothes after Christmas will be donated to charity.
Clothing bin: The clothing bin in the bottom car park is a regular source of income to the school so please donate any unwanted clothes there.
Shoe box appeal: Well done to Ellie in fifth class who organised the shoe box appeal in the school. This year we collected a record 82 boxes for the charity. Well done to Ellie and all who donated a shoe box to this worthy charity.
Christmas tree: Thanks to Charlie Doherty who donated the Christmas tree to the school. Please feel free to visit our crib and tree in the entrance hall. Danny and Bernie, our grown up elves have been busy putting up lights and decorating trees.
2019 has been an amazing year for the school. We have accomplished so much in such a short period of time. We finished our school with a brand new entrance, classroom and learning support room. We completed our running track and built a new field. We were commended by inspectors on the teacher’s hard work. We excelled on the sporting fields and debating. 2020 with your help and support will be even more successful for the school.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every parent and child in the school. You are without doubt the most supportive parents a school could wish to have. You understand the issues and challenges that a school faces every day and are supportive of all the new structures we have put in place to counter act these. With your help once again next year we can continue to prosper and make St. Aengus N.S. the envy of every school in the country. Ní neart go cur le chéile. (There’s no strength without unity)
Séamus